The Japanese government played a role in the breakdown of merger talks between Renault SA and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV earlier this month, weighing in with concerns that the combination could harm Nissan Motor Co., people familiar with the matter said.
Tokyo signaled its misgivings over the deal to the French government, said the people, asking not to be identified speaking about the negotiations. France — Renault's most powerful shareholder — then sought a pause in the talks for more time to win Nissan's support, provoking Fiat to withdraw its offer.
Details on Japan's role, only emerging now, highlight the obstacles to a quick resumption in merger negotiations between Renault and its Italo-American rival. They also show that France and Japan can find common ground to protect their carmakers and the two-decade Renault-Nissan alliance.